Get matched with top structural engineers in Pentwater, MI

Q: How long does it take for water to cause structural damage?

• <div><p>Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they&rsquo;ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.</p></div>

Q: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</p></div>

Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</p></div>

Q: What exactly does a structural engineer do?

• <div><p>A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.</p></div>

Q: How high can you build a single brick wall?

• <div><p>A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Pentwater, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Pentwater, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Structural Engineering companies in Pentwater, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

Last update on July 07, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Mike from Green Built Roofing is excellent he explained everything. Was prepared with everything about my house measurements etc. Work has not been done yet but I feel I made the right choice in companies. Definitely would refer them.
Green Built Roofing, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
We want to give a big shout out to Serden. Its really hard to know that youre getting a good contractor. And we were lucky to get the best ever. From our initial bid from Dennis to the final design and construction it has been nothing but a pleasure to work with such a professional company. We...
Serden Group
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Reviewed in March 2023
They were very professional, timely and completed the projects within a week of starting them. I had my deck redone from wood to their product along with my house resided. Very pleased with the finished out come. The company is very costumer oriented.
Green Shield Home, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Mr. Bender and the crew were excellent to work with from the design to the completion of my new garage. The attention to detail was important as we wanted the finished building to match our existing homes architecture. We now have the additional storage we needed and increased the long-term...
Diversified Management Group, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Excellent crew and equipment to make a difficult project easier.
T&M Custom Builders,LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
We hired FoamWorks to insulate the roof deck of our 125 year old home. They were exceptionally accommodating as we are doing the rest of the remodel work ourselves. They communicated well, were prompt, professional and left a clean job site. We are very happy with the results! While not cheap it...
Foam Works, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
I was so impressed with the immediate response I received from Todd. He was in constant communication with me throughout the project. The work was completed in a timely manner. We are very pleased with the pressure washing and staining of our deck. I highly recommend GroundWorks LLC!
GroundWorks MI, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2020
I am a licensed attorney with degrees in civil and mechanical engineering. I spent several years building barns and supervising concrete, steel, reinforcing, foundations, and soils on major construction projects. The roofers showed up on the date and time expected and the tear-off and...
Great Lakes Building Concepts
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Reviewed in March 2020
I hired Crain Network Engineering to work on our business computer. We had several issues going on and I was in desperate need of help. Jon came to my aid in a very timely fashion & got us up & running again in a few hours. It wasn t an easy job... but he got it done. His help was greatly...
Crain Network Engineering LLC
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Reviewed in November 2014
This contractor was very helpful through every stage of a difficult tear out and rebuild job for us. We had to rely upon their expertise to find and purchase a special fireplace furnace unit for our unusual structure and to contract work on the needed build out to accommodate the new unit. They...
HANKWITZ HEATING & A/CLLC
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Find Structural engineers in Pentwater

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Pentwater, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Offers commercial services

"Robert responded quickly to my request. He provided me with the services I needed in a timely fashion. I would recommend Robert Cowles PE for your project."

Response time1 day

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they’ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.

The Pentwater, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
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Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Dan Simms
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Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
Learn what a structural engineer is, what they do, when you might need to hire one for your home project, and how much they charge.
Em Norton
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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.